Indonesia earthquake: Death toll rises to 131, rescue operation continues

The death toll rises to 131 in the Indonesian island of Lombok where an earthquake of a magnitude of 6.9 hit on Sunday. A rescue operation is continuing and aid has started reaching the isolated areas of the island. Rescuers are trying to find bodies under the rubble. Temporary shelters are being set-up for ten thousand people in need of water, food and medical supplies.

According to the military, five planes having food, medicine, blankets, field tents and water tankers have left Jakarta for the island on Wednesday.

Till now some 2,500 people have been hospitalised with grave injuries and some 156,000 people homeless. Authorities said that nearly 5,000 tourists have left the place by boat.

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